Regional Laity Commission Holds Formation Programme

The Regional Laity Commission organised a two-day formation programme on “Laity: Co-workers in the Mission of the Church” on August 8–9, 2026, at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Sector 19-A, Chandigarh. Around 23 participants from the Archdiocese of Delhi and the dioceses of Jammu-Srinagar, Jalandhar and Simla-Chandigarh participated.

The programme was inaugurated with prayer, Scripture reading (Eph 4:11-13) and the lighting of the lamp, followed by the inaugural address of Most Rev. Dr. Sahaya Thatheus Thomas, Bishop of Simla-Chandigarh and chairman, Regional Laity Commission.

The Bishop highlighted the universal call to holiness and the threefold mission of every baptized Christian as priest, prophet and king, encouraging active participation in the mission of the Church.

Rev. Fr. Anil Sequeira, reflecting on Christifideles Laici, emphasised the need to rediscover the baptismal identity and mission of the laity, while remaining open to the changes and challenges of the present time.

Mr. Emmanuel Johnson focused on the co-responsibility of the laity, encouraging them to become active co-workers in the life and mission of the Church.

Mrs. Jennifer Tigga highlighted the place and vocation of the laity, calling them to greater participation in building God’s Kingdom and bringing Gospel values into family, society and the wider world.

The programme included interactive sessions, group discussions, action-plan presentations, sharing and evaluation, with emphasis on integrating lay formation with the Regional and Diocesan Pastoral Plans.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Arun Frederick and a renewed commitment to holiness, co-responsibility, active lay participation and missionary engagement, strengthening the laity as genuine co-workers in the mission of Christ and His Church.